NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

GPS-2RM 8 (USA-206)

Launch Time
Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:35 UTC

Rocket

Delta II 7925
Image Credit: ULA
ULA
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 3,511 kN
Payload to GTO: 1,819 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 9
Rocket Height: 38.1 m
Fairing Diameter: 2.9 m
Fairing Height: 8.49 m

Mission Details

GPS-2RM 8 (USA-206)

GPS-2R (Global Positioning System) or Navstar-2RM (Navigation System using Timing And Ranging) are the third evolution stage of the second generation of the GPS satellites.

The GPS-IIR replenishment satellites are produced by General Electric Astrospace (later Martin Marietta and Lockheed Missiles & Space) under a contract issued in 1989, which included 21 satellites based on the commercial AS-4000 bus. These provided improved navigation accuracy and longer autonomous satellite operation than earlier model GPS satellites. The satellites were three-axis stabilized and operated at downlink frequencies of 1572.42 MHz and 1227.6 MHz (L-Band) and 2227.5 MHz (S-Band). Lockheed was responsible for launch and flight operations support of the GPS-IIR through 2006.

Block IIR satellites provided dramatic improvements over previous blocks. They could determine their own position by performing inter-satellite ranging with other IIR vehicles. They also had reprogramable satellite processors enabling problem fixes and upgrades in flight, increased satellite autonomy, and radiation hardness.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 2,032.0 kg
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

2009

45th orbital launch attempt

United Launch Alliance

30th mission
9th mission of 2009
29th successful mission
25th consecutive successful mission

Delta II

144th mission
5th mission of 2009
142nd successful mission
89th consecutive successful mission